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College of Arts and Humanities > World Languages and Cultures > Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Cultures > Learn Japanese

Learn Japanese

Bachelor of Arts in World Languages and Cultures, Concentration in Japanese Studies

Format: In person on the Statesboro Campus and online coming soon!
Credit Hours: 124

Japan — the 3rd largest economy in the world. A country rooted in one of the world’s richest cultures and history. Learning Japanese opens a whole new world in art, technology, business, cuisine and so much more.

Get ready to speak Japanese!

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Why Learn Japanese at Georgia Southern?

Japanese pop culture has a universal appeal around the world through products such as anime, karaoke and manga.
Studying Japanese can build a strong foundation for graduate study in fields such as international relations, medicine and political theory.
You will be exposed to multiple perspectives and will become skilled at processing new ideas that are different from your own.
Become qualified for high-demand jobs such as an intelligence officer, interpreter, foreign service officer and more.

What Can You Do With a Major in Japanese?

Japanese industry has been at the forefront of the global economy for generations. Automobiles, consumer electronics, computers, tourism, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, textiles and foods are just a few of the sectors in which Japan plays a dominant role in world commerce. Japanese language and culture proficiency strengthen your marketability in these areas, plus many more.

Japanese speakers have a leg up in the job market for many different positions such as:

Broadcast media manager
Consultant
Contract or corporate consultant
Copy Editor
Crypto Language Analyst
Development program officer
Doctor/nurse
Engineer
FBI/NSA/CIA agent
Foreign service officer
Government relations specialist
Human intelligence collector
Human rights representative
Immigration and customs work
Intelligence analyst or officer
International banking
International marketing
International relations manager
Interpreter
Journalist
Lawyer or legal assistant
Legislator
Linguist/Language analyst
Military translator or interpreter
Museum management
National Security Analyst
Political risk analyst
Professor
Public relations
Reporter
Social media manager
Teacher
Translator
Travel and tourism careers
Web development

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates job growth for interpreters and translators will be much faster than average through 2029. – bls.gov

Japan has the third largest economy in the world. – worldpopulationreview.com

Nine out of ten U.S. employers report a reliance on U.S.-based employees with language skills other than English. – businesswire.com

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Japanese Language Curriculum

Foundation Japanese Courses

Elementary Japanese I
Introduction to listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Japanese and to the culture of Japanese-speaking regions.
Elementary Japanese II
Continued listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Japanese with further study of culture of Japanese- speaking regions.
Intermediate Japanese I
Building upon communication skills (understanding, speaking, reading, and writing Japanese) and cultural understanding, developed at the elementary level.
Intermediate Japanese II
Continued focus on communication skills and cultural understanding.

Additional Japanese Courses

Business Japanese
Introduction to the language and practice of business conventions in Japan. Development of all five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.
Japanese Conversation
Continued development of all five competencies: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture, with special emphasis on conversational skill.
Japanese Literature I
A survey of major authors and movements in Japanese literature from the Meiji period to the present, including women in literature and the relations to cultural trends and other arts, such as painting and film.
Japanese Culture I
Development of the Japanese language with a special emphasis on its culture. Development of all five language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.
Japanese Culture II
Introduction to the Japanese culture, values, society, customs, and the language for American students.
Japanese Literature II
Continued development of all five competencies: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture. A survey of Japanese literature until the end of the Edo period (-1868).
Reading Japanese
Introduction to the Japanese language with an emphasis on reading skills. Continued development of all five skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture.
Selected Topics in Japanese
Study of a topic in Japanese literature, culture, society, thought, or language not included in the regular offering. Continued development of all five language competencies (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture). May be repeated for credit provided a new topic is studied.
- Grammar review
- Grammar and composition
- Critical reading and writing
- Current issues/events

World Languages and Cultures B.A., Concentration in Japanese Studies Curriculum

Already know some Japanese? View the Language Course Placement Guide.

Foreign Language Assessments and Exit Exam Requirements

Minor in Japanese

Having a minor in Japanese will allow you to communicate intra-, inter- and trans-culturally. You’ll be able to adapt to different environments, be more sensitive to diversity and think more critically.

Japanese Minor Courses and Curriculum

Asian Studies Minor

Learn Japanese in a Study Abroad Experience

Kyoto, Japan

With a population of nearly 1.5 million, Kyoto is the former capital of Japan. Kyoto is a city full of history, culture, art and nature with many famous tourist attractions and recreational activities. Natives of the city take pride in their customs and traditions, which come alive especially on their many holidays and festivals. View the official Kyoto travel guide for more information on the city.

Partner Language School

Kyoto International Academy, Georgia Southern’s partner language school, was established in 1987 and is located in the northern part of Kyoto in a quiet residential area where many students live. The school was given a Class A superior rating for its traditional and academic achievements by the Osaka Immigration Bureau.

Study Abroad Curriculum

Six credit hours of lower or upper division courses
A series of assignments, both oral and in writing
Practice your language skills with native speakers who are trained in teaching Japanese

Excursions and Cultural Activities

Four weeks of intensive language training
Housing with families
Textbooks
Two meals a day (on weekdays)
Excursion to Hiroshima
Transportation to and from the airport

Learn More About Studying Abroad in Kyoto, Japan

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Japanese Language Clubs, Events and Student Activities

Japanese Club
Japanese Club on the Statesboro campus hosts events such as Japanese conversation hour, movie night, karaoke competition, Setsubun or bean throwing event, calligraphy workshop, origami workshop, Japanese tea hour, and more!
Japanese Pop Culture Appreciation Club
Based on the Armstrong campus, the purpose of the club is to appreciate all forms of Japanese culture including anime, manga, music, food, film, fashion, religion, politics, and video games. With an active discord server, there is no need to meet up in person to keep up with all the latest goings-on in the club.

Have Any Questions? Please Contact Us!

Dr. Noriko Mori-Kolbe
Senior Lecturer of Japanese
Interdisciplinary Academic Building #2061
Email: nkolbe@georgiasouthern.edu
Phone: 912-478-0241